-LRB- Lonely Planet -RRB- -- From the steep slopes of volcanic Haleakala to the wealth of surf spots , Maui beckons lovers of sun , sand and surf . But venture just beyond the hotel buffet and discover what a foodie destination the Valley Island has become .

Maui 's culinary landscape is heavily influenced by fresh , local and ` ono -LRB- delicious -RRB- flavors . Chefs , farmers , ranchers and fishermen work together toward a sustainable future where island ingredients are the featured attraction on daily menus and reflect the agriculture and people of Maui .

The Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement started in 1991 , with 12 founding chefs interested in focusing on using the freshest local ingredients to achieve the diverse flavors of island dishes .

Three of those original chefs head restaurants in Maui : Mark Ellman of Mala Ocean Tavern , Beverly Gannon of Hali'imaile General Store and Peter Merriman of Merriman 's Kapalua .

Those and some of the founding chefs ' more recent ventures -- including Ellman 's newest , Honu , in Lahaina , Gannon 's eponymous Gannon 's and Merriman 's Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea -- are among the best places to get a sample of Maui flavor , straight from the farm to the table .

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Just like the wealth and diversity of fresh local ingredients , their availability spans beyond large restaurants to smaller establishments . Get a taste of guri-guri , a treat crossed between ice cream and sherbet , at Tasaka Guri Guri .

Another sweet option is the island-style ice cream at Roselani Tropics Ice Cream , featuring local flavors such as vanilla , mango , pineapple and coffee . Home Maid Bakery 's crispy manju has luscious fillings from azuki beans to coconut .

Take some island style home in a bag of Maui coffee . The best place to do your shopping is on a coffee estate , where you can get a look at where your morning beverage comes from , such as MauiGrown Coffee or Kupa'a Farms .

Farmers ' markets and farm stands have become more than a regular shopping opportunity for locals -- they 're now a common stop on a visitor 's itinerary as well . Markets are an easy way to showcase Maui 's farms and ranches and the food they produce .

Even big-name hotels are helping lead the way in supporting local farmers by including their products in sustainable and organic menus.Â The stand at Kula Country Farms , as well as farmers ' markets in Makawao , Kahului and other locations throughout Maui are ideal opportunities to see the variety of locally raised products and produce on the island -- and buy some to taste .

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A visit to one of Maui 's farms can be both fun and educational , especially when it 's in Kula . In Upcountry Maui on the slopes of Mount Haleakala , the Kula area takes advantage of its rich volcanic soil and cool climate , and has been central to the island 's culinary resurgence .

Much of the produce you 'll find on the tables of Maui 's best restaurants focusing on Hawaiian Regional Cuisine is grown in and around Kula , including the sweet Maui onion .

Start with a gourmet lunch tour and real farm-to-table experience at O'o Farm , an 8.5-acre natural farm operated by the Pacific ' O and I ' O restaurants . Milk a goat at the Surfing Goat Dairy , then see the cheese-making process before you sample some for yourself .

Get an exotic walking tour through the sweet-smelling fields of Ali`i Kula Lavender , or wander the grounds of Maui 's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch -- before you wander right into the tasting room .

Sustainable food on Maui is n't just about produce -- it also includes island-grazed beef and grass-fed lamb . Island ranching dates back to the 19th century , and is a large part of the local paniolo culture . The Maui Cattle Company produces meats from six ranch partners throughout the island , from Hana to the slopes of Haleakala .

While every day is a celebration with island cuisine options , Maui food festivals offer an opportunity to get immersed in a particular food item , like the Maui Onion Festival or the East Maui Taro Festival .

Others , like the 30-year-old Kapalua Wine & Food Festival , are multi-day culinary extravaganzas .

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The best place to do your coffee shopping is on a coffee estate , such as Kupa'a Farms

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Farmers ' markets have become more than a regular shopping opportunity for locals

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Sustainable food on Maui is n't just about produce , but also island-grazed beef